Dreamy Escape to the English Countryside at Heckfield Place

I recently had the good fortune to stay at and tour Heckfield Place. It is a family home, painstakingly restored to its historic origins by Boston-based billionaire Gerald Chan. The doors reopened in 2018 after a nine-year renovation and the results are impressive! No detail was missed. From the earthy palette to the rose gold accessories, the decor blends seamlessly with its environment in an effortlessly chic way, while invoking a sense of calm in guests. The same stellar design continues into the rooms with vases of wildflowers and marble bathrooms stocked with Wildsmith toiletries.

Location

Heckfield Place is a sprawling over-400-acre estate located in the English countryside of rural Hampshire, only 40 minutes from Heathrow airport and just over an hour from London. There are also two train options into London – Waterloo or Paddington stations.

Rooms

There are 45 rooms in total across five categories – Friends is the entry-level room, then Guests, Chambers, Masters and the highest category is Signature. Thirteen rooms are found in the original 18th-century house and 31 are in the addition of the east and north corridors. There are connecting room options for families and friends. There is also one cottage with two bedrooms on property ideal for families. The individual character is embedded in the natural materials and craftsmanship found throughout the various room categories.

Food & Beverage

The team at Heckfield Place strives to incorporate locally grown food in their dishes and drinks – easily done with a farm on site. There are two restaurants on site, Marle and Hearth. Marle holds a Michelin star and serves food "straight from the earth." Hearth utilizes an open fire for cooking and serves smaller dishes meant for sharing, tapas style. I ate at both restaurants and assure you: you will not be disappointed at either location!

There is a private dining room available for meetings and events with indoor seating for up to 28 people as well as an outdoor terrace. The overhead hanging light fixture is changed seasonally and is a gorgeous statement piece. Definitely take a peek if you find yourself on property.

Moon Bar is a cozy space to grab a drink pre- or post-dinner. The drinks are made with locally sourced ingredients and the nightly specials are not to be missed! I personally indulged in a few and enjoyed everything I tried. And beneath the house is a 1200-bin wine cellar where tastings can be arranged with the resident sommelier.

Activities

One of the best things to do here is to leisurely wander around the property or join one of the walking tours. Make sure not to miss the walled gardens, double lakes (swimming is allowed in the lower lake), the wishing tree and of course a visit to the farm. Before leaving the main house, visit the "boot room" to borrow a pair of Hunter boots.

When you've had your fill of the outdoors, come inside to enjoy the 67-seat screening room – movies shown on Wednesday and Sunday evenings – and the Bothy Spa. No visit to Heckfield Place would be complete without a visit here, and it was the highlight of my stay – and erased my red-eye jet lag! The Bothy by Wildsmith is a 17,000-square-foot space dedicated to well-being with hydrotherapy and thermal experiences, including a sauna and steam room, outdoor jacuzzi, indoor chlorine-free pool and treatment rooms. (Note: The spa is device-free.)

There are many activities offered on site – some included with your stay, others for an additional fee – depending on the season. Some examples include hikes, fishing, cooking experiences, cocktail classes and falconry.

Heckfield Place is an English country house with its roots in tradition and sustainability oozing chic, contemporary charm. I would recommend it to anyone, but especially for couples and groups of friends. I for one cannot wait to return! Reach out to let me plan your perfect English adventure!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to United Kingdom. In need of further inspiration? Check out Eva Garcia’s guide, 4 Spectacular Hiking Trails in the UK You Must Not Miss.